Beyond the Ordinary Mind

Dzogchen, Rimé, and the Path of Perfect Wisdom

Selected works by Patrul Rinpoche, Jamgön Mipham, Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima & other masters

Foreword by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche

Translated & introduced by Adam Pearcey

A unique collection of essays, instructions, letters, and personal advice on Dzogchen, Rimé, and other topics by famous Tibetan Buddhist masters of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

This selection features profound, provocative, and at times humorous texts from some of the leading figures associated with the Rimé tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The emphasis of these works is on the esoteric path of Dzogchen, or the Great Perfection, through which the nature of reality is pointed out directly, just as it is.

Throughout the book the translator provides clear, succinct introductions to the individual translations, expertly setting the scene and guiding the reader through a world of intellectual renaissance, intersectarian debate, and the imparting of cherished insights. Through this, one truth above all becomes apparent: that genuine wisdom means transcending the limited confines of the ordinary mind.

“This anthology of some of the greatest scholar-saints of Tibet makes absolutely clear that Dzogchen, Mahamudra, and Madhyamaka practices come to the same point of realization. This is a great contribution to the understanding of Rimé and a wonderful translation.”
— Ringu Tulku, author of The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgön Kongtrul the Great

“Among the wealth of precious texts translated from Tibetan, Adam Pearcey’s Beyond the Ordinary Mind stands out. Here is a wisely chosen collection of instructions from some of the most eminent masters of recent times, clarifying crucial points related to the nature of mind and the union of emptiness and appearances–a book to be cherished, especially by those who aspire to deepen their understanding of Buddhist practice.”
— Matthieu Ricard, author of Enlightened Vagabond: The Life and Teachings of Patrul Rinpoche

“Beautiful. Meaningful. A rich array of key texts that carry us past the limitations of ordinary mind. These works are clear portals to the Great Middle Way, to the heart of Dzogchen, touching also on Mahāmudrā, and displaying an open, non-biased perspective. This readable translation brings new access to some of the greatest and most original minds of the last two centuries in Tibet.”
— Anne C. Klein, translator of Khetsun Rinpoche’s Strand of Jewels: My Teachers’ Essential Guidance on Dzogchen

Foreword by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche xi
Preface xv
Introduction xvii

A Yogi’s Guide to the Dharma 1
Overview of the Three Turnings and the Mantra Collection of the Vidyādharas 3
Khenpo Pema Vajra
The Consolation of Solitude 13
Uniting Outer and Inner Solitude 17
Patrul Rinpoche
The Rimé of the Ancients’ Monk-Scholar 23
Wondrous Talk Brought About by Conversing with a Friend 25
The Four Dharma Traditions of the Land of Tibet 30
Jamgön Mipham
Analysis and What Lies Beyond 33
Profound Instruction on the View of the Middle Way 35
The Essence of Mind 39
The Essence of Wisdom: How to Sustain the Face of Rigpa 41
The Nature of Mind 43
A Lamp to Dispel Darkness 44
Jamgön Mipham
A Midlife Crisis (of Allegiance) 51
Advice to the Dodrup Incarnation, Jigme Tenpe Nyima 55
Jamgön Mipham
The Final Roar of a Scholar-Lion 59
Advice in Response to the Request of the Faithful, Diligent and Intelligent Deshul Drakden 62
Jigme Tenpe Nyima
A Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing 67
On the Ignorance of the Learned 69
Jigme Tenpe Nyima
Remembrance of Awareness Present 73
Advice for the Devoted Student Gyurme Dorje 75
Jigme Tenpe Nyima
A Portrait of the Master as a Young Tulku 85
Answers to Questions on the Great Perfection 87
Jigme Tenpe Nyima
Please Debate the Messenger 101
The Messenger of Authentic Reasoning 104
Amdo Geshe Jampal Rolwé Lodrö
Demolition, Dzogchen Style 113
How to Practice the Path of the Great Perfection 117
Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol
Playing a Flute in an Empty Valley 129
Memorandum on Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen Instructions 133
Dongak Chökyi Gyatso